Arch Pain

The arch of the foot is a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are constructed to allow your foot to bear the weight of your body safely. These tissues and bones of your arch are in constant motion as you walk and run, absorbing impacts that might otherwise injure you.

The arch of your foot has its limits, however, and arch pain can be a sign that you’ve passed those limits and injured yourself. Pay close attention to any pain you are feeling in your foot. What may seem at first to be simple soreness from being on your feet all day could be a sign of a more serious stress injury or repeated motion injury. Arch pain could also be a result of a fall or impact injury, so be sure to seek proper treatment. For metatarsal support solutions, visit the Medi-Dyne estore.

Causes

Symptoms

Treatments

Foot Arch Pain

The most common cause of arch pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Sufferers of plantar fasciitis typically feel pain early in the morning when they first get out of bed. Another common cause of arch pain is fallen arches or flat feet. Fallen arches result in the sole of the foot becoming flat so that the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. Fallen arches can lead to pain in the ankles, knees, feet, and even in the legs. While fallen arches are often inherited, for some it develops as a result of wear and tear on your feet. Wearing shoes without proper metatarsal support, or arch support, can overstretch the tendon that supports the arch causing the arch to flatten out.

Arch Pain Symptoms

Arch pain symptoms could include any of the following:

A dull, constant ache if the ligaments have been stretched

Swelling or tenderness in the foot

Redness or bruising in the event of a more serious injury

Difficulty putting weight on the foot

Sharp pain when the foot is turned or manipulated

Tenderness when pressure is applied

Because the arch of the foot is such a complex structure, arch pain could be an indicator of several different types of injuries. Chronic illnesses such as arthritis could also cause arch pain, and depending on the cause or source of your pain, you may experience discomfort in a variety of different areas. Ask a doctor if you believe you may have injured your foot arch.

Arch Pain Prevention & Treatment

In addition to relieving the pain by providing better metatarsal support for your feet, many doctors advise stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround the damaged or weakened tendons. This advice can prove especially effective in preventing the possible side effects of fallen arches, including: inflammation and discomfort in the ligaments of the sole, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, calluses, and bunions. Like plantar fasciitis, left untreated, fallen arches can cause a domino effect that impacts your legs, hips, and back.

Immediate Relief

Support

Dance or Gymnastics

Tuli's® Cheetahs-Heel and Ankle Support - Running barefoot may feel great but the wear and tear of constant activity is sometimes too much to handle. Dancers and gymnasts should take extra precautions to support heels and ankles.

Tuli's® Full Length Gaitors - Designers are typically focused on the outside of the shoe – so you need to focus on the inside. It's a good idea to replace the insole of even a new pair of shoes with one that provides more support, especially arch support and shock absorption.

Essential Arch Pain Relief

Tuli’s® Classic Gel Heel Cups- Provides immediate relief from arch pain by cushioning and elevating the heel bone to take pressure off of the Achilles tendon which lessens the tension and allows for a regaining of flexibility.

Long Term Healing

Stretch & Strengthen

StretchRite® - Before you get out of bed in the morning, stretch your calf muscles, arch, and Achilles tendon by reaching for your toes and gently flexing your foot. This helps loosen the plantar fascia that tightens overnight.